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AHS Taiwan 2026

Explore. Experience. Connect. — 2026 AHS Taiwan Immersion for Global Perspectives.

10-Day Cultural Journey | Apr 2 – Apr 11, 2026

Explore the 10-Day Itinerary
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One Journey, Four Dimensions

Cultural Immersion

From Hakka indigo dye and lei-cha to tea harvesting, hands-on workshops bring Taiwan’s culture to your fingertips.

Interactive Learning

Daily missions paired with city mini-challenges—turn museum, temple, and neighborhood discoveries into lasting learning.

Local Deep Exploration

Visit Taipei's Jinbaoli and Guangan Temple, Tainan's Anping Fort and Old Street, and Lugang's historic alleyways and tea plantation trails to experience the most authentic local life rhythm.

Safety & Professional Guidance

Teachers and guides accompany the group throughout; small-team leadership and daily briefings ensure clear SOPs for night markets and transport.

Formosa Craft & Culture Odyssey: An 10-Day Taiwan Deep Dive

From tea-scented mountain peaks to coastal rock formations, experiencing the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity

Day 1 (Apr 2, Thu)

Departure Journey

Travel to San Francisco (SFO) and depart at 1:05 on China Airlines flight CI003 bound for Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Note: You need to arrive at the airport on April 1 evening for the outbound flight.

Day 2 (Apr 3, Fri)

Taipei: First Taste of Taiwan

Arrive in Taiwan and immediately immerse in local culture with Maokong Gondola tea experience, ascend Taipei 101 for city views, and relax at Beitou Hot Springs.

Day 3 (Apr 4, Sat)

Northern Coast: Where Sea Meets Sky

Explore Taiwan's stunning northern coastline featuring Shimen terraced rice fields, the seasonal green reef phenomenon at Laomei, historic Jinshan Old Street, and the famous rock formations at Yehliu Geopark.

Day 4 (Apr 5, Sun)

Miaoli: Hakka Culture & Traditional Crafts

Experience authentic Hakka culture through temple visits, traditional lei cha tea grinding, hands-on tofu making, and explore Taiwan's renowned woodcarving artistry in Sanyi.

Day 5 (Apr 6, Mon)

Creative Arts & Railway Heritage

Learn traditional indigo dyeing techniques at Joye Cottage Resort and experience Taiwan's railway history with a railbike adventure at the historic Shengxing Station.

Day 6 (Apr 7, Tue)

Changhua: Coastal Ecology & Ancient Heritage

Discover marine life at Wanggong's intertidal zone, explore one of Taiwan's most significant temples at Lukang, and take a nostalgic rickshaw tour through centuries-old streets.

Day 7 (Apr 8, Wed)

Chiayi Highlands & Tainan Historic Streets

Challenge yourself on Taiwan's longest suspension bridge, savor high-mountain tea in misty bamboo plantations, then explore the creative charm of Tainan's historic Shennong Street by night.

Day 8 (Apr 9, Thu)

Tainan: Ancient Capital Treasures

Visit Taiwan's oldest Confucius Temple to trace educational heritage, explore creative districts in historic lanes, and experience unique mud hot springs with the mystical Water and Fire Cave.

Day 9 (Apr 10, Fri)

Nantou Culture & Night Market Delights

Learn traditional mochi making, admire modern Buddhist architecture at Chung Tai Chan Monastery, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and experience authentic Taiwanese night market culture.

Day 10 (Apr 11, Sat)

Little Yunnan & Farewell

Experience Taiwan's multicultural heritage in Longgang's 'Little Yunnan' community, enjoy a final traditional tea ceremony at You Zhu Ju Tea House, then depart Taiwan at 23:30 on China Airlines flight CI004 from TPE, arriving in San Francisco (SFO) at 19:55 the same day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answering all your questions about this journey.

General Information

The trip is scheduled for 10 days, from April 2 – April 11, 2026.
This trip is open to AHS students in grades 9–12. No prior Chinese language proficiency is required, but participants must possess an open, respectful mindset towards cultural exchange.
In a safe and nurturing environment, students will immerse themselves in Taiwan's rich cultural traditions, developing focus through tea ceremony practices, fostering creativity through hands-on craftsmanship, building environmental awareness through ecological exploration, and establishing the foundation to become future leaders with global perspectives.

Passport & Visa

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Taiwan. However, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Yes, it is highly recommended to renew the passport early if your child's current appearance significantly differs from their passport photo, even if the passport has not yet expired.

Flights & Travel

Yes, teachers will accompany the group throughout the entire trip, from the initial departure until the return.
Parents are responsible for rebooking the flight and covering any associated costs. The program staff will provide assistance to help the student rejoin the group in Taiwan.

Health & Safety

For minor issues, teachers will provide first aid. For serious conditions, the student will be immediately taken to a hospital, with a teacher accompanying them. Parents will be contacted immediately, and travel insurance will help support the necessary care. Taiwan has an excellent healthcare system, and English-speaking doctors are available.
Yes, accommodations can be made if informed in advance. Dining venues will be notified, an allergy badge can be prepared for the student, and extra care will be taken, especially in high-risk environments like night markets.
Yes, Taiwan is consistently ranked among the world’s safest regions, known for its low crime rates and well-organized public areas. Safety measures implemented for the trip include a buddy system, daily roll calls, curfews, emergency cards, continuous teacher supervision, and coordination with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

Communication

The KICC coordinator’s phone number (directly dialable from the U.S.) and Taiwan emergency numbers will be provided. All hotels offer Wi-Fi access. Students also have the option to use international roaming or purchase a local Taiwan SIM card/eSIM for personal communication. There will be daily scheduled contact times.

Fees & Payment

The total cost is approximately USD $4,300. This includes international airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, all meals, comprehensive insurance, entrance fees for activities, preparatory materials, and souvenirs. It excludes passport fees, personal shopping, and personal pocket money.
1. Deposit (First Payment): An initial deposit of USD 1600 is due on or before October 30, 2025 to secure a reservation.

2. Second Payment: A payment of USD 1,000 is due on or before November 30, 2025.

3. Final Balance (Third Payment): The remaining balance of USD 1,700 is due on or before January 31, 2026. (Note: If the number of participants exceeds 21, the remaining balance required will be USD 1,600.)

4. Late Enrollment: For enrollments made after January 31, 2026, the full program fee shall be payable in full at the time of enrollment.

5. Airfare and Airline Policies: Airfare is included in the program fee. All airline-related cancellation fees and conditions are governed by the respective airline's policies and shall be the responsibility of the participant. For enrollments made after October 30, 2025, airfare prices are subject to change. Any increase in airfare shall be borne by the participant.
Zelle: No processing fee. Payments can be sent to Email jekicc2020@gmail.com.
PayPal (credit card): A +7% processing fee applies. A link will be provided upon request.
Wire transfer: The full amount, including any intermediary bank fees, must be remitted.
Venmo: Not accepted.
Any extra amount paid will be credited towards your final payment.
You will receive an electronic receipt via email within 72 hours of payment.
To ensure proper crediting, please include the student’s full name, the program name (AHS Taiwan 2026), and the payment purpose (deposit/final payment) in your transfer details. Additionally, email a screenshot of the transfer confirmation.
No. Only students’ names are shared; addresses are not disclosed, in accordance with our updated privacy policy.
You will receive a confirmation email and a receipt after payment. You may also email your bank or PayPal proof of transaction for verification.

Lodging & Rooming

Students will be assigned to rooms by gender, with 2 students per room at designated safe hotels (e.g., Kuva Chateau, ShanShun Hotel, Fushin Hotel). Rooming lists will be sent out before departure. Teachers will be on the same floor as students.

Food & Meals

Daily meals are included, comprising hotel breakfasts, local restaurant lunches, and specialty dinners. With advance notice, we can accommodate vegetarian, halal, gluten-free diets, and specific allergies.

Packing & Dress Code

April temperatures in Taiwan are around 18–27°C, with average relative humidity of about 75–80%. Northern and eastern regions have higher precipitation probability, with daily rain chances of around 40–50%; central and southern areas are generally drier. Recommended items to bring:
- Layered clothing (cooler mornings/evenings, cold indoor air conditioning)
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Rain gear (frequent showers in northern and eastern regions)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for wet and slippery surfaces)
- One set of formal attire (for formal meetings or special events)
- Personal medications and basic sun protection (increasing UV intensity)
Yes, there is a dress code. Students are required to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples and schools.

Program Activities

Students will participate in hands-on cultural workshops (tea ceremony, indigo dyeing, woodcarving, mochi making), visit historical sites and temples, explore natural attractions, and engage in cultural exchange activities with local schools.
Students will experience traditional Taiwanese tea culture, religious practices at temples and monasteries, traditional crafts like woodcarving and dyeing, Hakka culture, night market traditions, and regional culinary heritage.
Yes, students will have limited supervised free time. This includes 1–2 hours after dinner daily, some group exploration time in markets and night markets, and optional activities. All free time will be under teacher supervision in safe areas.
Yes, the itinerary includes several shopping opportunities at locations such as Dihua Street, Global Mall, night markets, and cultural & creative street.
To facilitate communication, the trip surpport from Local guide teacher assistance from local Taiwanese student buddies, access to translation apps, and visual aids.

Insurance

🌏 Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance

- Coverage for unexpected illnesses and accidents

- COVID-19 treated the same as any other illness

- Policy limits: US$50,000 – US$1,000,000

- Emergency Medical Evacuation: up to US$1,000,000

🌏 Taiwan Group Travel Insurance (Per Traveler)

- Accidental Death Benefit – NTD 3,000,000

- Accidental Disability Benefit (max) – NTD 3,000,000

- Accidental Medical Expenses – NTD 200,000

- Travel Document Loss/Replacement – NTD 2,000

- Family Member / Insured Expenses – NTD 100,000 (included above)

- Max Benefit per Accident – NTD 100,000

🌏 Trip Cancellation & Add-On Coverage

Trip Cancellation & Add-On Coverage

Additional insurance options such as Trip Cancellation, Medical, or Extra Coverage are available upon request.

Contact for Assistance:

Charlene Yeh – Insurance Agent

(510) 364-2726

📩cy.socal@gmail.com

🌐Add-on insurance (optional)
such as trip cancellation or medical coverage — can be purchased separately.  Here, you can enter your information and get an instant quote.

Trip cancellation insurance is not included in the total travel cost.
It must be purchased separately if desired.

Extension Opportunities & KICC Mission

Yes, KICC can assist in arranging various post-trip opportunities:
- Short-term or long-term internship opportunities in Taiwan (e.g., in education, cultural exchange, non-profit organizations, or creative industries).
- Mandarin language learning programs (private one-on-one or small group classes, suitable for all proficiency levels).
- Extended exchange projects with local Taiwanese schools or communities (ideal for summer or pre-college cultural experiences).
Beyond organizing this Taiwan immersion trip, KICC is dedicated to:
- Promoting Mandarin learning and international educational exchanges.
- Arranging Chinese cultural exploration activities (such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts).
- Building a long-term bridge between students and Asian cultures, with the goal of preparing youth to become global citizens.